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ustoms AntiSmuggling Organization (ASO) of Multan has intensiWied anti-smuggling activities and seized 53 non-customs paid vehicles, diesel, mobile phones and other goods worth Rs 296 million. During an exclusive interview with Customs

Today, Collector of Customs Saud Imran said that on the directives of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Tariq Mahmood Pasha and Member Customs Muhammad Zahid Khokhar, the MCC Multan has stepped up its efforts and adopted zero tolerance strategy against smuggling. The ASO Multan seized 53 smuggled vehicles worth Rs 120.2 million and miscellaneous goods worth Rs

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176 million during the last five months of financial year 2017-18. Saud Imran said that an ASO team raided four godowns dumped with the illegally imported goods and articles in Multan. In one raid, it recovered 9,700 mobile phones while cigarettes and Gutka worth millions of rupees were seized from other three locations. Other important seizures included smuggled diesel, art silk cloth and auto parts.

AFU Islamabad earns Rs78.59m more CD during first week of December

DG Valuation to revise VR No. 859/2016 on January 3, 2018

FTO hears appeal filed by M/s Al-Moiz Industries against LTU

Punjab governor to open 3-day Interiors Pakistan expo

Gwadar Customs seizes computer accessories worth Rs 4.26 million

AFU Islamabad generated Rs78.59m extra revenue against an earmarked | See pAge 02 |

DG Valuation has decided to revise the Valuation Ruling No: 859/2016 on Jan s| See pAge 03 |

FTO has postponed the hearing of a case filed by M/s Al- Moiz Industries | See pAge 04 |

Punjab Governor will inaugurate a 3-day mega‘9th Interiors Pak”exhibition 2017 | See pAge 14 |

Gwadar Customs has impounded diﬀerent type of computer accessories | See pAge 16 |

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Rs4,669/ metric tons: FBR imposes regulatory duty on LPG import Saturday, December 16, 2017

ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has imposed regulatory duty on import of liqueďŹ ed petroleum gas (LPG) at the rate of Rs4,669 per metric tons. The FBR has issued an SRO 1214(I)/2017 to amend the RD related SRO 0135(I)/2017. According to the notiďŹ cation, a new entry has been added in the SRO 0135(I)/2017 for imposition of the regulatory duty (RD) on the import of LPG. The FBR would generate around Rs 1.5 billion from the imposition of the RD at the rate of Rs 4,669 per MT on the import of LPG during remaining seven months (December to June) of 2017-18.

Islamabad

Afu islamabad earns rs78.59m more cD during first week of December

ISLAMABAD

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TAriQ DerYA

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he Islamabad Dry Port (IDP) earned Rs24.675million extra Customs Duty (CD) during the first two months of 2nd Quarter (OctoberNovember) Fiscal Year 2017-18 against the assigned revenue target. According to details given by sources of the IDP that, during above said period, the IDP showed satisfactory performance. Sources added that, during the first two months of 2nd Quarter FY17-18, the IDP was allocated a CD collection target of Rs547.589million whereas the IDP received Rs563.505million under the same head. The sources notify that the IDP generated Rs547.589million of CD during the first two corresponding months of 2nd Quarter FY16-17. The sources told CT that, during 2nd month of 2nd Quarter of November FY17-18, the IDP got Rs244.321million as CD while it was earmarked a revenue collection target of Rs277.19million of CD. The sources further added that the IDP earned Rs285.858million under the same head during previous November of FY16-17. The IDP received Rs319.184million as CD during the 1st month (October) of 2nd Quarter FY1718 whereas it was assigned a revenue collection target of Rs261.64million under the same head.

he Customs Air Freight Unit Islamabad generated Rs78.59million extra revenue against an earmarked proportional revenue target of Customs Duty during the Wirst week of December Fiscal Year 2017-18. According to details explained by Nisar Ahman Phullarwan, Additional Collector Air Freight Unit (AFU) Islamabad, that the AFU was allocated a proportional revenue collection target of Rs48.46million for the Wirst week of December FY17-18 as Customs Duty (CD) while it received surplus revenue of Rs127.05million of CD during said period. The AFU received Rs64.62million as CD during the same period of corresponding FY16-17. He added that, during the Wirst week of current month, the AFU showed 262% average of achievement against an earmarked proportional revenue collection target of CD. The Additional Collector told CT that, during above said period, the AFU showed 50.74% average of achievement against an assigned revenue collection target for the monthly assigned revenue target as CD. He added that the AFU was allocated a revenue collection target of Rs250.38million of CD during the month of December FY17-18. Nisar Ahmad Phullarwan told

iDp generates rs24.675 million more cD during two months

Customs Today that, on 7th of December FY17-18, the AFU received a revenue of Rs5.939million which showed satisfactory collection of Customs Duty. Meanwhile, The Air Freight Unit received Rs.272.14 million extra revenue against assigned proportional revenue target for November Financial Year 2017-18 under head of all duty taxes. According to details told

by sources of Air Freight Unit (AFU) that AFU showed satisfactory performance during 29 days of November FY17-18 against assigned proportional revenue collection target, the sources explained that during 29 days the AFU earned Rs.859.39 million of revenue under head of all duty taxes whereas the AFU was assigned proportional revenue target Rs587.25 million under same head.

The sources notify that during the above said period the AFU was assigned revenue collection target of Rs.220.98 million under head of customs duty (CD) while it was received Rs.255.06 million collection against the target, sources added that the AFU earned extra revenue against assigned target amounting Rs.34.08 million under head of CD during 29 days of November FY17-18.

fBr considers extending date of filing returns by Dec 31

ISLAMABAD

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he Federal Board of Revenue is considering to extend the date of Wiling of Income Tax returns and statements for Tax Year 2017 till 31st of December 2017. According to the sources of the FBR, taxpayers were complaining to the FBR that they are facing problems in Wiling the online returns and demanded that date of Wiling of in-

come returns and statement be extended for further 15 days. The FBR will extend the date till 31st of December 2017 but this will be the Winal time for Wiling the tax returns No more time will be given to the taxpayers. It is pertinent to mention here that use of powers under the Section 214A of the Income Tax Ordinance, the FBR is extending the date of Wiling of returns and statements for the Tax Year 2017. The date of Wiling of returns of total income and statements of Winal

taxation, which was due on 30th of November 2017, was extended up to 15th of December 2017. So the date for Wiling of returns and statements is now likely to be further extended up to 31st of December 2017. Meanwhile, The Federal Board of Revenue has moved a summary before the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet for rationalising regulatory duty (RD) on several items including generators. On the demand of both treasury and opposition benches belonging to

Parliament had recommended the FBR for rationalising RD on several items after taking concerned stakeholders into conWidence. There has been growing demand of rationalising RD on generators. The RD would be imposed at the rate of Rs4669 per metric ton on the import of LPG falling under Pakistan Customs Tariff (PCT) heading 2711.1910. The estimated revenue impact of this revenue measure during the remaining seven months (December to June) comes to Rs1.5 bil-

lion approximately. The LPG classiWiable under PCT code 2711.1910 is currently exempt from the customs duty under Fifth Schedule to the Customs Act, 1969. During FY 2016-17, a total quantity of 481,512 MT and during current Winancial year (July-October, 2017) a quantity of 190,680 MT has been imported. In order to maintain parity with locally produced LPG, it is proposed that RD @ Rs4669 per metric ton may be levied on import of LPG (PCT code 2711.1910).

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Trade deficit widens 29% to $15.03 billion KARACHI: Trade deficit widened 29 percent to $15.03 billion in the first five months of the current fiscal year of 2017-18 as import growth outnumbered a surge in exports. Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) data showed that exports rose 10.5 percent to $9.03 billion in the July-November period, while imports climbed 21.1 percent to $24.06 billion. Trade deficit amounted to $11.7 billion in the corresponding period of FY2017 as exports stood at $8.17 billion, while imports were recorded at $19.86 billion. Exports, after a downward trend in the past couple of years, are showing recovery as government took measures, including provision of tax incentives.

Appraisement east collects rs13.14m during first week of December

Saturday December 16, 2017

Karachi

Dg Valuation to revise Vr no. 859/2016 on January 3, 2018

KARACHI

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he Customs Collectorate of Appraisement East has collected Rs13.14 million under the heads of customs duty, sales tax, income tax and federal exercise duty during the first week of December. Sources told Customs Today that Customs Appraisement East received Rs3.26 million as customs duty, Rs2.58 million under the head of sales tax, Rs3.12 million as income tax and Rs4.18 million under the head of federal excise duty (FED) during the seven days of December. If we talk about previous month so Customs Collectorate of Appraisement East has collected Rs61.99 million under the heads of customs duty, sales tax, income tax and federal exercise duty during the month.

DD nAB suspended on orders of chairman KARACHI

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n compliance to the orders of the Chairman, National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Justice (Retd) Javed Iqbal, services of Deputy Director, NAB – Karachi, Sarwech Shaikh has been placed under suspension. According to a handout issued by NAB – Karachi office here Thursday, an inquiry team constituted by NAB Chairman to investigate complaints against the suspended official, has also arrived here from Islamabad. The committee was said to conduct the inquiry proceedings on daily basis so as to ascertain the veracity of allegations against the accused official who till completion of the procedure and presentation of the inquiry would remain suspended.

KARACHI

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irectorate General, Customs Valuation, Director General Surriya Ahmed Butt, has decided to revise the Valuation Ruling No: 859/2016 on January 3 , 2018, it is learnt. According to the details, Director General Surriya Butt has said that the department was reviewing suggestions from importers to set new prices of low end brand shoes, slippers, sandals, and joggers. She said that some valuations, which were issued in 2016, were being reviewed from the beginning. Moreover, the valuations will be set in view of rising prices in the international markets. Sources said that a petition was submitted by the importers to Customs Valuation in which change in prices of Low end brand shoes , slippers, sandals, chappal and joggers was requested. Sources said the Valuation Ruling No: 859/2016 was issued May 25, 2016. A meeting was held with the stakeholders on 4th December, 2017. Importers were told to furnish the import invoices of the last three months showing factual values as well as websites, names and e-mail addresses of known foreign manufacturers of the item in question through which the actual current value could be ascertained. Source said now a day’s Director General Surriya Ahmed Butt are

continue meetings from importers, because a number of application have submitted from Importers to change the prices of import items. Meanwhile, Directorate General, Customs Valuation, Director General Surriya Ahmed Butt, has decided to revise the Valuation Ruling No: 845/2016 on December 26, 2017, it is learnt. According to the details, Director General Surriya Butt has said that the department was reviewing suggestions from

A meeting was held with the stakeholders importers were told to furnish the import invoices of the last three months showing factual values as well as websites, names and e-mail addresses of known foreign manufacturers of the item in question

Banks to remain vigilant on widening assets

KARACHI

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he rising long term advances and declining share of Wixed deposits is widening the assets-liabilities mismatch against which the banks need to remain vigilant, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) said in its Third Quarterly (July – September) Review on Banking system issued. The SBP said that banking sector’s

asset base has expanded marginally during Q3CY17, though, on YoY basis, the growth has been quite robust (16.0 percent). Financing has observed a minor dip over the quarter in line with the seasonal pattern of the credit cycle. Encouragingly, share of Wixed investment (long-term) loans in total loans continues to rise indicating improved business conWidence. Funding needs of the system are met by a nominal growth in deposits and interbank borrowings. “The rising long term advances and declining share of

Wixed deposits is widening the assetsliabilities mismatch against which the banks need to remain vigilant,” the SBP said. The overall risk proWile of the banking sector remains within tolerable bounds in Q3CY17 characterized by high capital adequacy ratio, improving asset quality and favorable liquidity conditions. Earnings of the banking sector, however, have moderated due to low interest rates and increased administrative expenses, in addition to one-off settlement payment made by a large bank.

importers to set new prices of coffee in retail packing. She said that some valuations, which were issued in 2016, were being reviewed from the beginning. Moreover, the valuations will be set in view of rising prices in the international markets. Sources told that a petition was submitted by the importers to Customs Valuation in which change in prices of coffee of retail packing was requested.

kpT shipping movements report

ollowing were the Movements of Ships at Karachi Port Trust (KPT) during last 24 hours, ending at 0700 hours on Thursday. SHIPS SAILED: Bow Riyad Da Ji Kota Karim SHIPS BERTHED: Kota Layar Container Ship.

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NAB to summon Chaudhrys again Saturday December 16, 2017

Lahore

LAHORE: The National Accountability Bureau has decided to summon Chaudhrys of Gujrat once again in connection with corruption cases. An oﬃcial said Chaudhry Shujat Hussain and Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi will appear before the NAB in Lahore probably by the end of this month. According to sources, the accountability bureau decided to summon the PML-Q leaders second time as they could not provide relevant information to the investigation oﬃcers during their previous hearing. Reportedly, the NAB will issue summons to both the political leaders in this regard very soon.

customs court for presenting witnesses in mobiles’ smuggling case LAHORE

M iMrAn MeHAr

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he Special Federal Court of Customs Taxation and Anti-Smuggling has asked the investigation team of the customs intelligence and prosecution to produce a detailed challan of the case and also present witnesses in a case of a big quantity of mobiles’ smuggling. An accused Muhammad Naveed was arrested by the customs intelligence authorities from Lahore. The customs intelligence has found 9700 mobile phones of different models from a warehouse of the accused. Sources of Customs Today have said that the worth of the smuggled mobile phones is more than Rs6million in the local market and the accused caused the

irSA releases 74,100 cusecs water he Indus River System Authority (IRSA) released 74,100 cusecs water from various rim stations with inflow o 50,200 cusecs. According to the data released by IRSA, water level in the Indus River at Tarbela Dam was 1438.84 feet, which was 58.84 feet higher than its dead level of 1,380 feet. Water inflow in the dam was recorded as 22,400 cusecs and outflow as 30,000 cusecs. The water level in the Jhelum River at Mangla Dam was 1115.15 feet, which was 75.15 feet higher than its dead level of 1,040 feet whereas the inflow and outflow of water was recorded as 7,700 cusecs and 24,000 cusecs respectively. The release of water at Kalabagh, Taunsa and Sukkur was recorded as 55,200, 31,600 and 4,100 cusecs respectively. Similarly from the Kabul River, 6,700 cusecs of water was released at Nowshera and 7,100 cusecs from the Chenab River at Marala. –CB Report

national exchequer a big loss in the wake of taxes. Sources said he was intercepted by the customs authorities at Hall Road. The customs intelligence authorities conducted an operation on a tip-off and apprehended the accused. The customs intelligence recovered smuggled and non-custompaid mobile phones and accessories from the possession of the accused. The customs recovered 340,000 mobile-phone chargers, hand-frees and data cables from a warehouse belonged to the accused. The customs investigation team presented him before the customs court for getting his physical remand to investigate more on the issue that was approved by the court. Customs Judge Tahir Sabir granted the remand for three days. After the completion of the remand, the customs team presented him again before the court.

fTo hears appeal filed by M/s Al-Moiz industries against LTu

LAHORE

SAJiD nAwAZ

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he Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has postponed the hearing of a case Wiled by

Deputy collector Hassan farid declares seizure of vehicle as legal

ollectorate of Customs Adjudication Deputy Collector Muhammad Hassan Farid has issued Order-in-Original No 288/2017 by declaring seizure of Mitsubishi Pajero as legal. Brief facts of the case that customs staff of ASO intercepted a Mitsubishi Pajero jeep bearing registration no LOP-196 near Ichra Bazar, Ferozpur Road Lahore. The person on the driving seat claimed the ownership of the vehicle and identiWied himself as Arif Javed son of Muhammad Hussain. On

demand the driver of the vehicle failed to provide any relevant legal documents regarding possession of the vehicle. The customs ASO team seized the vehicle and forwarded the case to Customs Adjudication for further legal proceedings. Deputy Collector Hassan Farid issued a show cause notice to the owner of the non duty paid vehicle asking him to appear in person and explain his point of view. Despite issuance of several notices no one appeared to defend his allegations. –CB Report

M/s Al- Moiz Industries against the Large Taxpayer Unit (LTU) until the next date of hearing. The same was heard last month and was put off for the next date. According to the details, FTO Advisor Mian Munawar Ghafoor heard the case in which the counsel for the appellant argued that

the LTU had failed to satisfy the appellant in refund case. He added that the LTU collected excessive tax from the company during the last three years. The petitioner approached the department many times but it failed to pay the refunds after the passage of a reasonable time. At the end, the appellant decided to approach the Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) seeking interference in this case. The counsel appealed the FTO advisor to direct the LTU to clear the refund claims. The counsel further said that the delay in issuance of refunds put burden on the taxpayers, adding that the LTU should make audit of the cases and release the extra amount collected by it from the taxpayer. He also said in the argument that appellant should submit all relevant record to the LTU. After hearing the arguments from both sides, FTO adjourned hearing the case until next date for further hearing and directed the parties to appear on said date to present arguments in the case.

nAB declares Dar a proclaimed oﬀender he accountability court has declared Senator Ishaq Dar a proclaimed offender due to his continued absence from the trial. Judge Muhammad Bashir directed Ahmad Ali Quddusi, who has furnished a surety bond of Rs 5 million as bail guarantee for Ishaq Dar, to produce the accused within three days, otherwise his bail bond will be conWiscated. The court also directed Quddusi to submit Rs 0.5 million for the bail of Dar and if he did not submit the amount and produce the accused, the land papers of Dar will be seized.

When the court resumed the hearing, Dar’s counsel Faisal Mufti submitted a fresh medical report of his client in the court pleading that his client should not be declared a proclaimed offender as he was undergoing treatment in a medical facility in London. According to the medical report, Dar is suffering from chest pain and has also problems with his coronary artery. NAB’s special prosecutor Imran ShaWique, however, opposed the plea, contending that the accused was not suffering from any ailment and was deliberately skipping the trial. –CB Report

M/s Anjum paint industries appeal for tax refunds adjourned

LAHORE

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he Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has heard a case Wiled by M/s Anjum Paint Industries against the Regional Tax OfWice (RTO-II) Lahore and adjourned it until the next date of hearing. FTO Advisor Mian Munawar

Ghafoor heard the case. The counsel for the appellant argued that the RTO-II has been collecting excessive tax from the company for the last two years but has failed to release the sales tax refunds. Although the petitioner, Anjum Riaz, approached the ofWicials concerned several times for release of refunds, the RTO ofWicials failed to clear the refunds after the passage

of a reasonable time. Finally, the appellant decided to approach the FTO seeking intervention in this case. The counsel appealed the FTO advisor to direct the RTO-II to clear the refund claims. The counsel further said that delay in release of refunds put a burden on the taxpayer therefore RTO-II should make an audit of the cases and release the extra amount collected from

the taxpayer. On the other hand, counsel for RTO-II argued that the appellant has not submitted all the record in the ofWice for claiming refunds. If he provides accurate record, the RTO-II will release refunds after a proper assessment, he assured. After hearing the arguments from both sides, Advisor Mian Munawar Ghafoor postponed the case of M/s Anjum Paint Industries.

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Saturday, December 16, 2017

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LAHORE M HAYAT www.customsbulletin.com

he Collectorate of Customs Appraisement surpassed the monthly revenue target for November, 2017 by collecting Rs 3,334 million under the head of customs duty which is 47 percent higher than the collection made during November 2016. Zero tolerance policy has been adopted against corruption and informal payments that reduced clearance of imported goods time and cost of doing business. These views were expressed by Collector of Customs Jamil Nasir while talking to Customs Today here the other day. Muhammad Jamil Nasir is known as one of the most competent, honest upright and outstanding ofWicers of the Pakistan Customs Service. The collector said that Model Collectorate of Appraisement, Lahore surpassed the monthly revenue target for November, 2017 by collecting Rs 3,334 million under the head of customs duty which is 47 Genghis Khan higher than the collection made during November 2016. “This trend is constant for the last many months and the curve for revenue growth is consistently going upward," he said adding that a lot of credit for this achievement goes to a dedicated team effort of the officials. In order to reduce interaction between Collectorate officials and the taxpayers, it has been ensured that each and every Bank Guarantee should be audited at all three ports, besides all long pending consignments have been auctioned and a Post Release Verification (PRV) Cell is created to discover after clearance discrepancies. Every goods declaration, including those GDs cleared through ‘Green Channel’, is being scrutinized. The Collectorate has so far been able to scrutinize over 5,000 GDs, the collector mentioned, adding that transparency and easy accessibility has also been ensured by adopting open door policy at the Collectorate. “Anybody can see any

time any senior ofWicer including Collector without appointment. “Mechanism for complaint redressal has been devised and put in place. Monitoring of letters/ correspondence received from stakeholders is being duly done and it is ensured that the stakeholders be given timely responses,” the Collector highlighted. Nasir also shared that optimum utilization of available resources is being made possible and the Collectorate has placed newly recruited appraisers and inspectors in appraisement and examination halls increasing their conWidence level. “Right person for the right job is being placed and postings strictly. On merit basis after over viewing the integrity, skills and conduct of the ofWicial are the major considerations. Capacity building is also an ongoing phenomenon through which the newly recruited customs ofWicials are provided level playing failed to sharpen their skills,” he added. Talking about IT interventions, Nasir said that a central control of ports is maintained through CCTV cameras by the collector ofWice which has ensured check and balance on each and every ofWicial. WeBOC registration center has also been reorganized at NLC Dry Port and from now onward the importers can also register their companies at NLC Dry Port, he maintained. Sharing about the future planning, the collector informed that the Collectorate is all set to launch application with name Feedback and Suggestion Tool (FAST) for feedback and direct outreach to importers and manufacturers.

ction intera e c u d e s and er to r ﬃcial o e t in ord a sured lector en col een en b s a h betwe it ntee guara ayers, p k x n a a t B the every ports, ch and l three l a a e t t a a th ited g be aud endin d l u o h long p s l l a s ts beside nmen consig

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Founder & Chairman Zulfiqar Ali Editor rahil Yasin editor@customsbulletin.com.pk For advertising & subscription marketing@customsbulletin.com.pk www.customsbulletin.com Phones: 042-35781643-4, Fax: 042-35781645 Address: 627, Siddiq Trade Centre, Gulberg, Lahore

eDiToriAL

Depreciation of pakistan rupee

ccording to the media reports, the State Bank of Pakistan is weighing options to ‘adjust’ the currency exchange rate with current market conditions. The government financial managers, including Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, had been resisting the devaluation of the Pakistani rupees for the last four years on the ground that it would pressure the already subdued economy and would open the floodgates of inflation in the country. However, apparently the oﬃcials are now obliged to move on this direction to materialize $2.5 billion worth of receipts from the two international bonds which the government launched in November this year. It is expected that the depreciation will put one US dollar against 110 Pakistani rupees in the latest equation. The rupee is already hovering around Rs 107 to a dollar and financial experts believe the two weekend holidays will give a breathing space to the rupee instead of over-steaming the exchange rate. The move to depreciate the rupee was already expected as the government was negotiating with the International Monetary Fund on post-loan conditionalities. With depreciation of the rupee, the economic bubble created by Mr Dar has been pinpricked. The much publicized macroeconomic stability is also facing serious challenges as the economy is apparently suﬀering from the same syndrome as Mr Dar himself in London. However, credit goes to Mr Dar who braved all the attempts from all sides to devalue the local currency during his active presence in the Finance Ministry. The exporters were already pressing the government to opt for depreciation as the move would multiply their income without losing anything on their part. The ailing Mr Dar has now left the economy in lurch. The policymakers who are happy over the expected move should understand its fallout in the coming months. The bubble of the so-called structural reforms to overhaul the economy has also burst. The economy needs to remove its structural weaknesses in the first place to move forward to the transformational phase.The revise rates of rupees will definitely build up confidence in exporters, but this would not guarantee increase in exports. The issue of falling exports can only be resolved by increasing industrial production and not by curbing imports or depreciating the local currency.

pM’s unrealistic promises A

LAHORE

Dr AfTAB AfZAL

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ccording to newspaper reports, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has expressed the hope that his government will resolve the issues faced by the industrial sector in the country. He says that being a businessman, he understands there are problems in tax collection system which needs to be resolved to spur industrial growth. The prime minister is right in pointing out problems in the tax collection system and structural reforms are the need of the hour. There are unrealistic tax rates in the country whereas tax to GDP ratio is also the low-

est in Pakistan as compared to the countries in the region. On the government side, taxes are imposed without realizing the ground realities and on the business community’s side, many are earning billions of rupees annually but they try not to pay the required amount of taxes. This leads to not only corruption, but also erodes the ability of the government to launch development projects. Inadequate generation of revenues forces the government to go to international financial institutions for loans and the move adds more troubles to the economy than any good. It is, therefore, a duty of the government to introduce tax reforms and simplify

the tax collections system for the growth of economy. The prime minister, in a meeting with a delegation of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce, also discussed various proposals to enhance exports, introduce tax reforms, develop infrastructure and take measures to reduce trade deWicit. He also promised to give incentives for the development of industrial zones in the country and will ensure the provision of uninterrupted gas and power supply. When it comes to the politicians and the government functionaries, they always depict a rosy pedicure of the economy and make unlimited promises beyond their reach and understanding.

Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif came to power with slogan business, business and business, but exports declined by 20 percent during his four years tenure. Now the current prime minister has only a few months left in the ofWice, but he is also making tall claims about revival of the economy. If he only completes his tenure peacefully, it will be a great service to the nation. The current government is leaving a host of liabilities for the next government and if it avoids adding further burden of loans, it will be another service to the nation. The government still has to implement the export package announced by the former prime minister in letter and spirit.

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Customs imports two surveillance boats worth Rs300m from Turkey KARACHI: Pakistan Customs has imported two latest surveillance boats worth Rs 300 million from Turkey to prevent smuggling in the open sea. Collector (Preventive) Dr Iftikhar Ahmad has said that the parts of boats were being fitted with equipment at Karachi Shipyard and would be handed over by February next year. He said the second boat would be added to the fleet by March 2018. The boats will be equipped with modern technology including water jet engine. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The boats will increase efficiency and outreach of customs officialsâ&#x20AC;?, he noted. A marine department has been set up where trained staff would be deployed for smooth operation of boats.

fBr moves summary before ecc for rationalising rD on several items

Saturday December 16, 2017

National

pcA uncovers alleged duty & tax evasion of rs8.50m by M/s Amjad Salman & co

ISLAMABAD

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he Federal Board of Revenue has moved a summary before the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet for rationalising regulatory duty (RD) on several items including generators. On the demand of both treasury and opposition benches belonging to Parliament had recommended the FBR for rationalising RD on several items after taking concerned stakeholders into confidence. There has been growing demand of rationalising RD on generators. The RD would be imposed at the rate of Rs4669 per metric ton on the import of LPG falling under Pakistan Customs Tariff (PCT) heading 2711.1910. The estimated revenue impact of this revenue measure during the remaining seven months (December to June) comes to Rs1.5

KARACHI

wAQAr AHMeD AnSAri www.customsbulletin.com

he Directorate of Customs Post Clearance Audit (PCA) has detected duty and tax evasion of Rs8.50million allegedly by M/s Amjad Salman & Co., it is learnt. OfWicial sources told our reporter that M/s Amjad Salman & Co imported a consignment of USB head fones and key boards and different computer accessories under the PCT Heading 2604.3403 and got it cleared from the Port Qasim Karachi vide GDs on October 27, 2017 by paying customs duty at 6 percent after claiming a beneWit of SRO 562/2007 by the hand of Appraiser Mudassir Hussain. However, the subject item is correctly classiWiable under the PCT 2709.3870 attracting customs duty at 10 percent and income tax at 12 percent. By way of mis-declaration of classiWication, M/s Amjad Salman & Co evaded/short-paid Rs8.50million, it was maintained. So the importer has violated the provisions of Section 32 (8) & (2B) of the Customs Act-1969, Section 8,

9 read with Section 52 of the Sales Tax Act-1990 and Section 132 of Income Tax Ordinance 2001 punishable under clauses (3) and 48 of Section 156(6) of the Customs Act-1969, Section 28 (9) of the Sales Tax Act-1990 and Section 137 & 146

of Income Tax Ordinance 2001 and Section 7-A of the Sales Tax Act1990 read with chapter X of the Sales Tax Special Procedure Rules 2007 (Special procedures for payment of Sales Tax by the importers) and under relevant provisions of In-

come Tax Ordinance 2001. Accordingly, an audit observation was issued to M/s Amjad Salman & Co for explaining and clarifying as to on what basis they have avoided/evaded the taxable duty and taxes.

ATir hears final arguments on plea filed by M/s pMcL ISLAMABAD

billion approximately. The LPG classifiable under PCT code 2711.1910 is currently exempt from the customs duty under Fifth Schedule to the Customs Act, 1969. During FY 2016-17, a total quantity of 481,512 MT and during current financial year (July-October, 2017) a quantity of 190,680 MT has been imported. In order to maintain parity with locally produced LPG, it is proposed that RD @ Rs4669 per metric ton may be levied on import of LPG (PCT code 2711.1910). The estimated revenue impact of the revenue measure during the remaining seven months (December to June) is Rs1.5 billion approximately.

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ppellate Tribunal Inland Revenue (ATIR) heard Winal arguments on a petition challenging a show cause notice issued by Wiled ofWice of Federal Board of Revenue regarding outstanding taxes and reserved decision on the case during Wirst week of December. Account Member Dr Ghulam Mujtaba Bhatti had reserved decision on tax matter Wiled by M/s Pakistan Mobile Company Limited. According to details, M/s Pakistan Mobile Company Limited had challenged recovery of issued to it in head of outstanding income tax by the LTU, Islamabad. M/s Pakistan Mobile Company Limited had submitted the department had issued the demand for the

tax year 2015 in head of income tax under provisions of Income Tax Ordinance, 2001. Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), ofWicers of LTU including commissioner Inland Revenue, commissioner Inland Revenue (Appeals) and Appellate Tribunal

Inland Revenue (ATIR) were made respondent in the case. The case was remanded back to the tribunal by the IHC couple of months ago. This case is one of the many remanded back by the IHC and being heard at the tribunal.

Meanwhile, Appellate Tribunal Inland Revenue (ATIR) heard Winal arguments on a petition challenging show cause notice issued by Wield ofWice of Federal Board of Revenue regarding outstanding taxes and reserved decision on the case. Account Member Dr Ghulam Mujtaba Bhatti had reserved decision on tax matter Wiled by M/s Pakistan Mobile Company Limited. According to details, M/S Pakistan Mobile Company Limited had challenged recovery notice issued to it in head of outstanding income tax by the LTU, Islamabad. M/s Pakistan Mobile Company Limited had submitted that the department had issued the demand for the tax year 2015 in head of income tax under provisions of Income Tax Ordinance, 2001. Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), ofWicers of LTU including Commissioner Inland Revenue.

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Assistant Commissioner-IR Tabassam to retire on March 6 Saturday December 16, 2017

National Two oﬃcers return to fBr after serving 5 years in prA

ISLAMABAD: Tabassam Tahir, an Inland Revenue Service officer of BS-17, is going to retire fromthe government service on attaining the age of superannuation. The officer, presently posted as Assistant Commissioner-IR at Regional Tax Office, Multan, will stand retired from the government service on March 6, 2018.

Addl commissioner-ir Qurratulain’s performance allowance restored

LAHORE

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ISLAMABAD

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ommissioner (Appeal) Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) Shehzad Mehmood Gondal and Deputy Commissioner Gujranwala PRA Zaka Ullah have relinquished the charge of their offices to join their parent department- the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Headquarters Islamabad. Both the officers, who joined PRA of the Government of Punjab, in December 2012 on a fiveyear deputation, are likely to join further postings in the FBR in days to come. Two notifications in this regard were issued by the PRA, Finance Department Punjab on Wednesday last. Mr Gondal, who is a BS-19 Inland Revenue Service (IRS) officer and Additional Commissioner by designation, is considered among the pioneers of establishing the PRA in the light of the 18th Constitutional Amendment and transfer of Sales Tax on Services (STS) to the provinces.

Suspension of superintendent Shabbir withdrawn ederal Board of Revenue (FBR) has withdrawn the suspension order of a Customs official a day after issuance of the notification. The FBR, in a notification, said that its order issued on November 2017 regarding suspension of Ghulam Shabbir Phulpoto, Superintendent, Model Customs Collectorate, Faisalabad had been withdrawn ab-initio. A day earlier, the FBR said in exercise of powers conferred under Rule 5(1) of the Government Servants (Efficiency & Discipline) Rules 1973, the Competent Authority had placed Ghulam Shabbir Phulpoto, Superintendent, Model Customs Collectorate, Hyderabad (now posted in Model Customs Collectorate, Faisalabad) under suspension with immediate effect for a period of three months. –CB Report

he performance allowance in respect of Qurratulain, an Inland Revenue Service ofWicer of BS-18, has been restored. The performance allowance of ofWicer, presently posted as Additional Commissioner-IR (OPS), Corporate Regional Tax OfWice, Lahore, was restored with effect from February 7, 2017. Meanwhile Engr. Riyaz Ahmed Memon, a Pakistan Customs Service ofWicer of BS-19, selected through the process of internal job posting (IJP), has been granted performance allowance. The ofWicer, presently posted as Additional Collector at Model Customs Collectorate of Exports (Port Muhammad Bin Qasim),

Karachi, was granted performance allowance with effect from November , 2017 i.e the date of approval of the competent authority. The grant

of performance allowance will be governed through the terms and conditions laid down vide Circular No.6(96)S(BIC)/2013-14 dated

06.03.2015 to be read with para-10 of Finance Division’s O.M.No.1(3)/Imp/2015-360 dated 07.07.2015.

ASo islamabad impounds 31 vehicles valued at rs45 million T

ISLAMABAD

TAriQ DerYA

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he Customs Anti-Smuggling Organization Islamabad took into possession 31 vehicles worth Rs45million during the month of November Financial Year 2017-18. According to details explained by Majid Hussain Gadd, Assistant Collector Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO), that, during above said period, the ASO showed adequate performance against the smugglers and tax evaders. During said period, the ASO impounded 28 offending vehicles valued at Rs331.9million whereas the ASO Islamabad took into possession Non-Duty-Paid (NDP) vehicles priced at Rs15.32million. Assistant Collector told CT that, during July to November FY17-18, the ASO Islamabad impounded 95

offending vehicles worth Rs102.77million while it took into possession 19 NDP vehicles valued at Rs88.49million during above said period. Assistant Collector further told Customs Today that, under the guidance of Collector MCC Islam-

abad Dr Saeed Khan Jadoon, the ASO Islamabad showed brilliant performance during above said period as it formulated a new strategy to make the performance of the ASO more effective during the 2nd Quarter (October to December) FY17-

18. Gadd added that, during the 1st Quarter FY17-18, the ASO impounded 47 offending vehicles priced at Rs51.90million whereas the Car Cell of the ASO took nine NDP vehicles into possession which value at Rs14.86million.

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NAB arrests two more betel leaf importers LAHORE: National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Lahore arrested two more betel leaf importers for causing a loss of Rs 26.757 million to the national exchequer by evading/miscalculating Customs Duty on import of betel leaf in a renowned Rs 2.6 billion corruption case. According to a NAB spokesman, accused Sheikh Muhammad Naseem used to import betel leaf from Sri Lanka through M/s Ramish International. He allegedly did not pay Rs 25.758 million, while another accused Aqeel Ahmed evaded Customs Duty worth one million rupees. NAB Lahore is investigating a mega corruption scam related to evasion and mis-calculation of Customs Duty from 2008-12.

SMeDA to facilitate marketing women entrepreneur’s products PESHAWAR

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mall and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) will facilitate Women Chamber of Commerce & Industry (WCCI), Peshawar to market the products of the women entrepreneurs in the national market. The assurance was given by lization of the approved fund of Export Development Fund (EDF) and diﬀerent aspects of the promotion of the businesses of the women entrepreneurs. He also oﬀered facilitation to KP women entrepreneurs in marketing their products. In this connection SMEDA is going to organize an interprovincial level exhibition of the products manufactured by the women

entrepreneurs in Swat. The exhibition will be held either in the last week of February or first week of March next year. In the event women entrepreneurs from all provinces of the country will be invited to display their products. Furthermore, the women entrepreneurs of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will also be facilitated to participate in similar exhibitions to be held in other cities of the country. During the meeting, matters relating to grant of Economic Revitalization of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and FATA (ERKF) also came under discussion. The GMOR SMEDA told the WCCI that 200 to 300 women entrepreneurs will be provided financial assistance for the expansion of their businesses. On the occasion, the executive committee of WCCI thanked SMEDA and termed its coordination with the chamber exemplary.

National

iHc settles customs matter filed by M/s Al catel Lusent pakistan Limited

fTo postpones hearing of case filed by M/s Ashraf & Brothers ISLAMABAD

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he Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has heard a case filed by proprietors M/s Ashraf & Brothers against the Regional Tax Office (RTO-II) Lahore and adjourned it until the next date of hearing. FTO Advisor Mian Munawar Ghafoor heard the case. The counsel for the appellant argued that the RTO had failed to release the sales tax refund to the appellant since two years. He said the RTO-II has been collecting excessive tax from the company for the last two years. Although the petitioner approached the officials concerned several times for release of refunds yet the RTO officials failed to clear the refunds after the passage of a reasonable time. Finally, the appellant decided to approach the FTO seeking intervention in this case. The counsel appealed the FTO advisor to direct the RTO-II to clear the refund claims. The counsel further said that delay in release of refunds put burden on the taxpayer therefore RTO-II should make an audit of the cases and release the extra amount collected from the taxpayer. On the other hand, counsel for RTO-II argued that the appellant has not submitted all the record in the office for claiming refunds.

ISLAMABAD

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slamabad High Court disposed of M/s Al Catel Lusent Pakistan Limited’s customs matter with directives to department to administer hearing on appellant’s petition pending before departmental adjudication within 60 days. The bench had reserved decision on the case after the appellant and respondent submitted record. IHC bench comprising Justice Shaukat Aziz and Justice Mohsin Akhtar had heard the case and reserved the decision which would be announced in coming week. M/s Al Catel Lusent Pakistan Limited had filed the couple of cases including a customs case and another case challenging an announcement made by the Appellate TribunalInland Revenue (ATIR)-through which it had sustained decision announced by the department’s adjudication pertaining to the show cause notice to M/S Al Catel Lusent Pakistan Limited for outstanding tax recovery. Through both the references, M/s Al Catel Lusent Pakistan Limited had named Chief Commis-

Saturday December 16, 2017

sioner Inland Revenue, LTU, assistant commissioner Inland Revenue Withholding, LTU, Commissioner Inland Revenue (Appeals), LTU, and Federal of Pakistan through the chairman of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) as respondent in the case. Show-cause notices had been issued for the tax year 2013 in head of income tax under sections of Income Tax Ordinance,

2001. M/s Al Catel Lusent Pakistan Limited had prayed the court to direct LTU not to recover the said amount and abstain from any coercive action in this regard. The petitioner had prayed the court operation of the impugned notices issued by the tax authority may kindly be suspended till the decisions of appeal pending before the LTU.

Aptma seeks restoration of gas supply to textile mills

LAHORE

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ll Pakistan Textile Mills Association (Aptma) Punjab Chairman Ali Pervaiz has sought restoration of 28 percent system gas supply to the textile mills in order to carry forward the momentum of over 10 percent growth in exports due to the textile package. “A revival of Punjab-based textile industry is only possible through availability of energy at a regionally and internationally competitive price,” he pinpointed. He was addressing a press conference at the Aptma Punjab ofWice on Thursday.

Patron-in-chief Aptma Gohar Ejaz and other ofWice bearers were also present on the occasion. He lamented that industrial capacity worth $4 billion exports has been closed down due to the high cost of doing business in Punjab. “Textile exports can easily be doubled in 3-4 years if enabling environment is in place,” he added. He demanded immediate removal of all the tariff and non-tariff barriers on the import of cotton. Speaking on the occasion, Gohar Ejaz pointed out that revival of 140 mills should be the foremost priority of the government. It is only possible through the avail-

ability of affordable energy at a tariff of Rs7 per unit electricity and Rs600 per MMBTU gas all across the county. He lauded the

efforts of Federal Minister for Textile Pervaiz Malik for taking initiatives towards revival and growth of textile industry.

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Infocomm: tech innovation catalyses $313 bn GCC retail

World Customs

MUSCAT: Technology innovations such state-of-the-art live events, virtual shopping screens, and 3D sound environments are catalysing the GCC’s retail growth to hit a record high of $313 billion by 2021, industry experts announced today at Infocomm MEA. 1Over the next four years, the GCC’s retail sector will grow by 25 percent to $313 billion, according to a recent Alpen Capital report. As malls rise and expand across the region — such as City Centre Al Jazira in Abu Dhabi, the Mall of Saudi in Riyadh, and the Mall of Oman in Muscat — retailers are investing in audiovisual technology to transform the in-store experience.

Saturday December 16, 2017

customs seize illegal cigarettes worth rs. 80 million

finland investing 114 million in climate work HELSINKI

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COLOMBO

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ri Lanka Customs during a raid conducted Friday has discovered a container of illegally imported cigarettes from the Orugodawatta Container Yard. The stock of cigarettes illegal imported from Dubai is estimated to worth Rs. 80 million. The stock of foreign cigarettes estimated to be about 1.6 million has been brought in a 20-foot container and hidden in gas ovens. These cigarettes have been identiWied as a product of Dubai. Meanwhile, Ceylinco Life has reported exceptionally strong proWit growth for the nine months ending 30th September 2017, with pre-tax proWit up 53 per cent to Rs 2.5 billion and net proWit growing 47 per cent to Rs 2 billion. Sri Lanka’s life insurance leader

colombia cocaine: Huge haul found in banana shipment lmost six tonnes of cocaine have been found hidden among bananas on board a ship in the port of Algeciras, in southern Spain. The seizure by police and customs oﬃcers is one of the largest of the drug to be made in Europe in the last two decades. The stash is estimated to be worth $249m (£185m). The shipment came from the Colombian city of Medellin and was headed for the Spanish port city of Barcelona. Police have not revealed what raised their suspicion about the shipment but after unsuccessfully searching two containers, the third one they opened yielded the cocaine. Spain’s Guardia Civil paramilitary police said three people had been arrested: a Spaniard who is believed to be the ringleader of the drugs gang, a Honduran national and a Portuguese citizen. –CB Report

has recorded net income of Rs 18.7 billion for the period, an increase of 11 per cent, with premium income accounting for Rs 11.48 billion and investment income contributing Rs 7.24 billion. Investment income grew by a

healthy 21 per cent in the review period, reWlecting the success of the investment strategies implemented by the company, with an investment portfolio that stood at Rs 94.11billion as at 30th September 2017, up 17 per cent over the nine months.

eu puts uAe, Bahrain and Tunisia on tax haven blacklist

he European Union (EU) has released a blacklist of 17 countries, including the United Arab Emirates(UAE), Bahrain and Tunisia, which it says are tax havens. The bloc said that the countries on the list, made public after months of screening of tax policies, were not doing enough to deal with offshore avoidance schemes. They will face restrictions in receiving EU funding and investments from the European Investment Bank.

The bloc’s member states can also decide on imposing their own sanctions, based on the blacklist. The EU said in a statement on Tuesday that the goal of the list is to ensure its partners adhere to the same tax standards as itself, calling it “a key victory for transparency and fairness”. However, Pierre Moscovici, the EU commissioner for economic and Winancial affairs, taxation and customs, noted that non-compliant countries. –CB Report

inland and the International Finance Corporation IFC have set up a joint climate fund to support renewable and clean energy solutions as well as other climate projects in developing countries. Finland will channel a total of 114 million euros into the Finland-IFC Climate Change Program for a period of 25 years. Funds will be invested in climate projects during the next Wive years. Funding targets comprise loans granted for companies operating in developing countries, capital investments and guarantees. Sectors include energy efWiciency, renewable energy, sustainable forestry and land use, meteorology, and water and wastewater solutions. In addition to climatic effects, investments will also target develop-

ment effects, such as increasing the number of jobs and tax revenue. While in Paris this week for a summit on climate issues, Prime Minister Juha Sipilä told Yle that investments will be targeted in the world’s poorest countries. Meanwhile, Bahamas yesterday upgraded its tax information exchange agreement with Finland to the automatic variety, as it bids to meet global standards by September 2018. K P Turnquest, deputy prime minister, signed the Protocol to Amend the Tax Information Exchange Agreement between the Bahamas and Finland, with the latter’s ambassador to the Caribbean, Jukka Pietikäinen, signing on behalf of the European nation. Mr Turnquest said: “By the implementation of the Common Reporting Standard, the Bahamas shows its intent on remaining a well-regulated, compliant and legitimate international Winancial centre with a strong anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-Winancing of terrorism (CFT) regime.”

irish firm challenges backpack tax n Irish company that provides global tax refund services has taken legal action against the validity of the Australian federal government’s backpacker tax. The action by Taxback.com is being taken on behalf of working holidaymakers from eight countries, including the UK and the US. Irish backpackers are affected by the tax, however they are not specifically included in the action. The company is arguing the backpacker tax, which was introduced at the start of this year and imposes a higher rate of tax on foreigners who enter Australia on a 417 or 462

working holiday visa, contravenes non-discrimination clauses built into tax treaties that Australia has signed with eight countries; the UK, the US, Germany, Finland, Chile, Japan, Norway and Turkey. These clauses prohibit unequal tax treatment of citizens from these countries, including working holidaymakers, compared with Australians. International tax treaties signed by Australia override domestic tax laws. “Our challenge is with respect to eight other nationalities who have double taxation agreements, which include non-discrimination clause. –CB Report

india, Hk sign double tax avoidance agreement

HONG KONG

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ndia and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of China recently entered into a double tax avoidance agreement (DTAA). After years of negotiation, the bilateral DTAA was approved on November 2017.

When it comes into force, the India-Hong Kong DTAA will hold important tax implications for international businesses operating in both countries. The agreement will also benefit trading companies that do not have a permanent presence in India but service to an India-based entity. Non-resident Indians (NRIs) and foreign nationals doing business in India make

profits in India as well as in other countries of operation. Such businesses often have to pay tax twice on the same source of earned income or profit in India. As a general principle, international businesses in other countries are taxed on their territorial income, which is the income generated within the territory of that country. India, on the other hand, imposes a corpo-

rate income tax on the worldwide income of business enterprises that have a permanent presence in India. As a result, India-based multinational companies deriving income from other countries face double taxation on their earned income A DTAA creates a fair and certain tax environment for business activities carried out between two countries.

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Three ships take berth at Port Qasim KARACHI: Three ships, MSC Gina, Express Makalu and Intrepid Republic carrying Containers and Chemicals took berths at Qasim International Container Terminal and Engro Vopak Terminal respectively during last 24 hours, said a report issued by Port Qasim Authority (PQA) here on Tuesday. Meanwhile two more ships with Container and Palm oil also arrived at outer anchorage of Port Qasim during last 24 hours. Berth occupancy was observed at the port at 47% on Monday where a total of eight ships are currently occupying berths to load/offload Containers, Chemicals, Canola Seeds, Clinker, Diesel oil and Palm Oil during last 24 hours.

port klang lost some business to Singapore, says ministry he lower revenue recorded by Port Klang last year is due to some international shipping companies shifting operations to Singapore, says Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Abdul Aziz Kaprawi. He said the port authority’s annual report recorded that it earned RM302.8mil in 2015 but last year, revenue fell to RM271.2mil. He said the transfer of operations was due to the merging of some of these international shipping companies and the calibration of routes. “Among the mergers is the taking over of United Shipping Company by Hapag-Llyod, which resulted in one million twenty-foot equivalent (TEUs) containers that operated in Port Klang moving to Singapore. He was replying to Sim Tong Him (Ind-Kota Melaka) who asked about the rev-

Ports & Shipping

Shanghai port embraces new technology in arms race to defend ABU DHABI

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hanghai International Port Group (SIPG), the dominant public terminal operator in the city, plans to make better use of internet and automation technologies to consolidate its leading position in the shipping industry worldwide. SIPG said it aimed to create “smart, green, hi-tech and efWicient terminals” to bolster Shanghai’s efforts to become an international shipping centre by 2020. “Our three years of effort [to build new berths] have been worth it,” said Chen Xuyuan, the chairman of SIPG. “We will deepen innovation by using more technology, enhancing management efWiciency and creating new business models.” Yangshan Port, which is operated by SIPG, recently launched seven berths costing 12.8 billion yuan (HK$15.09 billion) as part of the fourth phase of its development. The 2,350-metre harbour has

130 automated guided vehicles, the largest Wleet of any container terminal worldwide. SIPG said the operation of the fourth phase reWlected its Wirst step in building a port operating system in the digital era. The group will analyse business data, make better use of the internet and the internet of things and reduce pollution to help support growth of the port. Shanghai has been ranked as the world’s largest container port for seven consecutive years.

Last year, the port handled 37.1 million teu. The volume so far this year is up 1.6 per cent from last year. The port is expected to process 40 million teu this year, according to SIPG. Construction work at Yangshan began in 2002. Buoyed by thriving trade emanating from the Yangtze River Delta around Shanghai, container throughput at Yangshan is expected to reach 17 million teu this year. Yangshan is also part of Shanghai’s free-trade zone.

Saturday December 16, 2017

Shipping activity at port Qasim our ships, MSC Maersk Hartford, APL Miami, United Banner and Tomson Gas carrying Containers, Furnace Oil and LPG Mix took berths at Qasim International Container Terminal, FOTCO Terminal and SSGC Terminal respectively during last 24 hours, said a report issued by Port Qasim Authority (PQA).Meanwhile eight more ships with Containers, LPG Mix, G.Cargo, Coal, LNG and Palm oil also arrived at outer anchorage of Port Qasim during last 24 hours. Berth occupancy was observed at the port at 77% on Wednesday where total ten ships are currently occupying berths to load/oﬄoad Containers, Canola Seeds, Clinker, Furnace Oil, LPG Mix and Palm oil during last 24 hours. A cargo volume of 92,679 tonnes, comprising 47,319 tonnes import cargo and 45,360 tonnes export cargo inclusive of Containerized cargo carried in 2,342 Containers (TEUs), (182 TEUs imports and 2,160 TEUs exports) was handled at the port. One ship, Express Makalu sailed out to sea on Tuesday morning, while another ship Tomson Gas is expected to sail on Wednesday morning. –CB Report

port of Antwerp renews communications relationship enue recorded by Port Klang. In another development, the Ministry of International Trade and Industry said Malaysia received a total RM267.7bil in investments from 10 countries last year. In a written reply to another question from Sim, the ministry denied claims that foreign investors are pulling out of the country. “There is no denying that there are companies which have ceased operations or moved to other countries due to their labour-intensive operations. “However, claims that many investors have ceased operations or moved elsewhere is false. In fact, between January and October this year, only eight companies with majority foreign investments have ceased operations,” said the ministry. –CB Report

TOLEDO

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escartes Systems Group (Nasdaq:DSGX) (TSX:DSG), the global leader in uniting logistics-intensive businesses in commerce, announced that the Port of Antwerp has renewed its use of the Descartes Global Network™ (Descartes GLN™) for business-tobusiness electronic communication services to help accelerate the movement of goods across borders. The solution supports the exchange of electronic data and documents between port authorities, freight forwarders, shippers, ocean carriers, shipping agents, terminal operators, and other related companies and government agencies. “We are honored to continue to help the Port of Antwerp simplify the electronic exchange of data be-

tween companies and authorities, and to support the port community with supply chain transparency and efWiciency,” said Roy van Aalst, VP Sales Benelux at Descartes. “The extensive capabilities of the Descartes GLN provides ports and other logistics communities with a platform for effective collaboration with all trading partners.” The Descartes GLN is the world’s most extensive logistics messaging network for multimodal, real-time electronic data exchange. Using the Descartes GLN, companies can seamlessly communicate with customers, trading partners and regulatory authorities, and leverage Descartes’ network-based solutions. The web solutions used by the port community include WebDGN for declaring dangerous goods with the port authority and WebGC for declaring temporary storage with customs authorities. The Descartes GLN

also supports a wide array of valueadded logistics services that span the entire shipment management process from contract management to cargo bookings, shipment tracking, security and trade compliance Wilings, and more. Meanwhile, The Port of Toledo is one of the largest on the Great Lakes, and business is booming this year. Grain, aluminum, iron ore and petroleum coke are just some of the products moving in and out of Toledo. A study shows that about 7,000 jobs are tied to the Port of Toledo, and it has a nearly one billion dollar economic impact on the region. More iron ore moves through the port than any other commodity, and this year’s iron ore numbers are up considerably from last year. Joe Cappel is the Vice President of Business Development at The Toledo-Lucas County Port Author-

ity, “When you see a lot of ore boats in Toledo, that’s a good sign for the domestic production of steel.” There have been a lot of ore boats in Toledo this year. Last year freighters hauled about 1 million tons of iron ore to Toledo. This year that number has already hit about 3 million tons, and the season isn’t over yet. Paul Toth is the President and CEO of the port, and he says it’s not just iron ore shipments that are up,”We’ve seen an increase in virtually everything this year.” Cappel says the numbers are encouraging for the entire region,”In normal years when something is way up, other things are down. This year everything seems to be pretty far up. We have worked hard to strike a balance at the port through the years Our imports are balanced with our exports. Our domestic shipments are balanced with our shipments to and from Canada.

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Accountability Court convicts former DO Roads with 4 years imprisonment Saturday December 16, 2017

Business

HYDERABAD: The Accountability Court in Hyderabad convicted a former District Officer Roads, Works and Services Department with 4-year imprisonment. The court found the official Rehim Bux Soomro guilty, who was posted in Tando Muhammad Khan district, of keeping assets beyond the known sources of his income. The spokesman of National Accountability Burea (NAB) Rizwan Soomro informed that a reference was filed against Soomro in 2016.

rajwana to open 3-day interiors pakistan expo LAHORE

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unjab Governor Malik Muhammad RaWiq Rajwana will inaugurate a 3-day mega “9th Interiors Pakistan” exhibition 2017 at Expo Centre. Chief Executive Pakistan Furniture Council (PFC) Mian Kashif Ashfaq in a statement said that Vice President SAARC Chamber and Chairman United Business Group, Iftikhar Ali Malik, ex-TDAP chief SM Muneer, President Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry Zubair Tufail along with SVP Aamir Ata Bajwa,VP Manzoor Ul Haq Malik, President Lahore

iHc reserves verdict on capt Safdar’s bail ISLAMABAD

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Chamber Tahir Javed, SVP, Khawaja Kahwar Rashid, VP Zeeshan Khalil, Chairperson TEVTA Irfran Qaiser Sheikh and President Women Chambers besides other leading businessmen and traders will also

nAB registers case against ex-pML-n MnA over rs137 million land scam

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he Islamabad High Court (IHC) reserved its verdict on a petition filed by the graft buster challenging an accountability court’s order of releasing Captain (retd) Mohammad Safdar on bail following his arrest in October. After almost a month, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has approached the IHC, requesting it to set aside the accountability court’s order of October 9 by declaring it ‘illegal’ and consequently, Safdar be remanded to jail custody.

grace the event while Federal Minister for Commerce and Textile Muhammad Pervaiz Malik will be chief guest on the concluding day. The essence of exhibition is to promote the furniture and associated

products made in Pakistan at local and international level. The event will be attended by members of the diplomatic corps, leading businessmen, stakeholders of the furniture industry and foreign delegations and in this regard delegations from China, Italy, United Kingdom, Turkey, Hong Kong, Thailand and, Bangkok have conWirmed their participation while delegations from other countries are also expected. Council was expecting more than 100 leading local companies and interior designers to display their products while as many as 200,000 to 250,000 visitors to visit this mega exhibition. Visitors on the lookout for buying furniture will be able to enjoy special discount of up to 20 per cent on different items exhibited at the event.

ISLAMABAD

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akistan Muslim League- Nawaz (PML-N) former member of the National Assembly Sardar Mushtaq has been booked along with 14 others in a reference Wiled by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ehtesab Commission on charges of corruption and illegal practices involving more than Rs137 million in the acquisition of land for construction of the Workers Welfare Boards (WWB) Labour Complex in Haripur.

According to details, Director General, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ehtesab Commission came to know about the huge embezzlement by the public office holders of the Revenue Department and WWB in active connivance of the private land owners whereby an inferior kind of land was incorrectly shown as converted into superior kind of land and caused a colossal loss to the public exchequer. Public office holders were found involved in the commission of offence by illegal determination of the price of the land with the active connivance of

the land owners who had illegally enhanced the price of the acquired land in order to benefit the private land owners (co-accused). All the accused, while in league with one another, have changed the status of the land by tampering the revenue record on the basis of which the land owners had claimed a higher amount at exorbitant rates. According to investigation conducted by KPEC different modus operands were adopted to fulfil their nefarious plan for the determination of price of the land at exorbitant rates.

fiA vows to tighten noose around human traﬃckers SIALKOT

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he Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has tightened its noose around the notorious human traffickers and cyber criminals in Gujranwala Division by utilizing the scientific methods, said FIA Divisional Deputy Director Mufakhar Adeel. He said that the FIA has also tightened its noose around the corrupt officials in Customs, FBR, Wapda, SNGPL and NADRA. He said that the big corrupt officials in the federal government departments would be arrested very soon. He pledged to make the Gujranwala region as human trafficking-free region. He said that he will visit the Sialkot International Airport once a week to listen to the problems and complaints of the passengers and people at the airport. He said that the FIA would soon display the anticorruption awareness boards at all the important public places and in the offices of the government departments, giving motivation to move to FIA for the redressal of their complaints against corruption and overcoming the menace of human trafficking. He narrated that the FIA was activating its Cyber Crime Wing at Gujranwala which would handle the cube crime issues/cases at the local level and the complainants would have no need to go to the FIA offices in Lahore for the registration of cyber crime cases.

cJp rebukes fiA Dg over increasing human smuggling ISLAMABAD

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hief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar said that the Director-General of FIA should accept that he can’t take steps to stop human smuggling in Pakistan. These comments were made by the chief justice during a hearing on the killing of 20 people in Turbat. Chief Justice

Mian Saqib Nisar had taken suo moto notice of the incident. Chief Secretary Balochistan and Director-General Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) were also present during the hearing. “We do not have the required resources to carry out an investigation,” claimed DG FIA during the hearing. “Which state agency is not extending its cooperation to you?” asked the chief justice. “You should accept that you can-

not stop human smuggling.” DG FIA said that 20 people had been murdered in Turbat due to their ethnicity. The five migrants whose corpses were found in the district of Ketch near the Iranian border had been killed two days ago, said provincial government spokesman Anwaar ul Haq. As with the previous 15 they were ethnic Punjabis who were illegally travelling to Iran, he

said. Senior administration official Akbar Harifal said the killings seemed to be the work of separatist groups. The army said a separatist leader believed to have murdered the 15 had been killed. People-traffickers use the Balochistan route to smuggle workers from Punjab province to European countries via Iran. Some die on the way due to harsh conditions or attacks by Baloch separatists.

The army said troops on Friday killed a Baloch militant commander, Younas Taukali, 25 kilometres (15 miles) north of the area where the bodies of the migrant workers were recovered. “Terrorist Younas was involved in killing 15 innocent people belonging to Punjab on Nov 15,” an army statement said, adding he had also ambushed security force convoys and killed many civilians.

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US brass mill imports, exports rise in October: CBFC NEW YORK: US imports and exports of brass mill products increased in October compared with the corresponding 2016 period, according Copper & Brass Fabricators Council data. US imports of brass mill products in October totaled 41.2 million lb compared with 38.6 million lb in October 2016, an increase of nearly 7%, the Washington-based trade group said in a report Monday. US exports totaled 22.44 million lb in October, up from 22.40 million lb in October 2016, an increase of nearly 0.2%. January through October, US imports of brass mill products totaled 414.2 million lb compared with 384.7 million lb through January-October 2016, an 8% increase. US exports totaled 222.9 million lb year to date through October compared with 203.4 million lb in the same 2016 period, an increase of nearly 10%, according to CBFC data.

Traders express concerns on fBr raids at business centers

Saturday December 16, 2017

Chambers

Standards compliance to help promote business activities – pSQcA

RAWALPINDI

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n urgent meeting of traders representing different trade associations was held at the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) here. The meeting was attended by Vice president Khalid Farooq Qazi, group leader Sohail Altaf, former presidents, representatives from traders associations, members of the executive committee and chamber members. The meeting was called on recent incidents of harassment and placing of FBR staff at different business centers of the city. Chairing the meeting Acting President RCCI Muhammad Nasir Mirza said that traders have a common voice that harassing traders in the

name of collecting taxes must be stopped. FBR and income tax staff should treat traders with respect. Placing and appointing staff at different business centers as a watchdog to monitor business entries is against the basic human rights. Traders on many forums and in meetings with FBR requested that raids/action under section 40B of Sales Tax Act 1990 by FBR authorities on business premises of the tax payers must be stopped. Group leader Sohail Altaf said that FBR Chairman in his recent visit to RCCI gave clear instructions that traders being highest tax payers must be treated with respect and FBR believes in partnership with the business community and consider them as a backbone of economy. Unfortunately, this is not happening and FBR harassing attitude pushing us to take extreme step and we might call for strike and shutter down.

ISLAMABAD

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he Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) in collaboration with Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) organized an awareness seminar at Chamber House to educate the business community about the importance of compliance of standards and quality as it would help in better promotion of business activities. Muhammad Yasin Akhtar, DirectorCA North, PSQCA gave a detailed presentation about standards to the participants. It was highlighted that PSQCA was the recognized National Standards Body in Pakistan working with scientists and engineers in diverse Wields and was entrusted with the task of formulating Pakistan Standards along with their enforcement. PSQCA components included Standards Development Centre (SDC), Quality Control Centre (QCC) and Technical Services Center (TSC). PSQCA was also a member body of International Organization

for Standardization (ISO), International Electro-Technical Commission (IEC), International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML) and other regional organizations concerned with development of international standards. Speaking at the occasion, Muhammad Khalid Siddiq, Director General, PSQCA said that compliance of standards and quality would help in sustainable

promotion of business activities and private sector should make efforts to produce and sell standards and quality compliant raw material and Winished products in order to improve its business prospects. He said PSQCA was regulating 109 items which included 37 food items, 64 non-food items and 8 energy efWiciency items. He said that total 22,368 standards were in vogue in

‘rupee devaluation to damage economic cycle’ LAHORE

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apid devaluation of Pak rupee will damage the economic cycle of the country besides scaring off international investors therefore State Bank of Pakistan should control this dilemma without wasting a single moment. “Devaluation would lead to lower industrial productivity, surge debts, harm already struggling exports, inWlation hike, reduce the purchasing power of the masses that would pose serious challenges for the economy.” In a statement, the LCCI President Malik Tahir Javaid, Senior Vice President Khawaja Khawar Rashid and Vice President Zeshan Khalil said that sudden devaluation of Pak rupee has raised complexities for all economic sectors. They

said that surge in dollar price will increase the import bill as all imported oil, raw material and other essentials will go high. They said that recent surge in the prices of the greenback would not only jack-up the cost of doing business but would also erode the proWit margins. They said that the State Bank of Pakistan needs to ascertain the factors weakening the value of rupee and check the possibilities of undue speculations and malpractices in the operation of foreign exchange markets in Pakistan. This will help stabilize rupee and restore the conWidence of the business community. The LCCI ofWice-bearers said that an unchecked increase in the dollar rate will multiply the cost of doing business and badly affecting the industrial, manufacturing and agriculture sectors as Pakistan has to import fertilizers, food items, oil,

machinery and industrial raw material. They said that the government should take immediate measures to arrest further devaluation of rupee to avoid more damaging consequences for the economy. They said though the weaker rupee beneWits the exporters by giving them more rupees per dollar, but this beneWit is neutralized by the costly imported inputs of manufacturing sector including textiles thus eroding the Winancial advantage of a weaker rupee. They said that the economy was already under tremendous pressure owing to multiple internal and external challenges it has been facing for the last many years. They said that today almost all sectors of economy are in deep trouble and a further fall in value of rupee will cause more contraction in economic activities leading to a drastic cut in the tax revenue for government.

Pakistan to ensure that the consumer get good quality products. He said PSQCA was ready to train manufacturers and retailers for ensuring compliance of standards. In his welcome address, Sheikh Amir Waheed, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry thanked the PSQCA for organizing awareness seminar for the beneWit of business community.

world Bank experts visits Sialkot Tannery Zone delegation of the World Bank (WB) experts visited the city here on Wednesdayand discussed matters of establishment of Sialkot Tannery Zone Project with the Sialkot district administration during a meeting held here. While giving the briefing about the Sialkot Tannery Zone Project to the delelgation, DC, Dr Farrukh Naveed, said that the construction of Sialkot Tannry Zone was underway on 396 acres of land near Khambraanwala-Sialkot, where all the 250 small and big sized tanneries scattered in and around the city would soon be shifted to the zone. He said that the Punjab government was spending Rs 3.47 billion on the project for saving people from the environmental pollution. –CB Report

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Quetta Customs Intelligence seizes 220kg charas worth Rs20m QUETTA: The Customs Intelligence has foiled an attempt to smuggle contrabands and seized 220kg charas worth Rs20 million. On the instructions of Quetta Customs Intelligence Director Irfan Javed, Deputy Director Abdul Mueed formed a team comprising Superintendent Fareed-ud-Din, Intelligence Oﬃcer Shabbir Ahmed and others. The staﬀ spotted the said car and signaled it to stop near Baleli Check Post, Butims University Quetta, but the driver attempted to speed away.

Saturday, December 16, 2017

CUSTOMS BULLETIN

gwadar customs seizes computer accessories worth rs4.26 million GAWADAR wAQAr AHMeD AnSAri www.customsbulletin.com

he Customs Collectorate has impounded different type of computer accessories worth more than Rs4.26 million, included 50 LED flat screen monitors, 25 laptop Acer brand,500 ( 4GB Laptop Ram) and huge quantity of data cables hard wire worth 4.26 during the first week of December. Sources told Customs Today, that on the directives of the Deputy Collector Gwadar Junaid Mehmood , operation against smuggled and non-duty paid luxury vehicles is going on in full swing and several raids have been conducted during previous month of November. Sources told that on Friday morning deputy collector Gwadar constituted a team of Customs AntiSmuggling Organization (ASO) under the supervision of Customs Preventive Inspector Aleem Shah and others. The team, during a search operation, intercepted a truck bearing registration no: SK.2396 which was going out of the city. During the raids, the customs team impounded 120 kilogram of hashish, and 100

bottles of wines worth Rs 9.50 million. The customs team arrested

three smugglers who were involved in smuggling and registered an FIR

against the accused persons and started investigations. Source told

that it was the 2nd raid in the month of December.

Deputy collector declares seizure of nDp Toyota corolla as legal FAISALABAD

nAeeM SHeikH

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he Collectorate of Customs Adjudication Deputy Collector Saima Ayyaz ordered to confiscate smuggled Toyota Fielder car worth Rs881357 involving duty and taxes. The deputy collector issued Order in Original (ONO) no: 199/2017 while hearing a case against Muhammad Munir

Ahmed and Muhammad Azam registered by the Customs Anti Smuggling Organization (AsO) Mianwali. In pursuance of information, the Customs Mianwali intercepted a Toyota Fielder car bearing registration no: AJK-8295 near M.M Alam Road Mianwali. The driver of the vehicle introduced himself as Muhammad Munir son of Ghulam Buksh. ASO superintendent was asked to produce documents relating to this vehicle but he could not produce any evidence in this regard. Therefore the foreign origin Toy-

ota car was detained under Section 2kk and 17 of the Custom Act

1969 read with section 3(1) of the import and export, Act 1950 pun-

Published by M S Raza Oﬀ# 42, 3rd Flr Gull Plaza M.A Road Karachi, Printed by (Ibne Hassan Oﬀset Printing Press, Shop No. 33 to 36 , Hockey Stadium, Karachi).

ishable under section 156(1) 89 of the Customs Act. Customs Adjudication issued a show cause against accused warning him to why the seized vehicle should not be confiscated under aforementioned provisions of law. Inspector Umar Bhatti appeared from the prosecution side and asserted that seized car fell in the ambit of Section 2(s) of the Customs Act 1969 while Mohammed Azam appeared on the behalf of party and stated that seized vehicle was purchased by the respondents from Quetta custom through auction.